Senate Resolution No. 645 BY: Senator PARKER COMMENDING the Center for Black Literature upon the occasion of hosting its 2023 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Center for Black Literature (CBL) upon the occasion of hosting its 2023 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium on Friday, March 31, 2023; and WHEREAS, Founded in 2002, the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York has served the interests of the people of the Empire State by expanding, broadening, and enriching the public's knowledge and appreciation of Black literature by people of the African Diaspora and of the African continent for 21 years; and WHEREAS, The theme for this year's Symposium is "Diasporic Visions: A Celebration of Black Speculative Fiction," a genre that encompasses and blurs the genres of magical realism, futurism, horror, fantasy, paranormal, and mythology; these imaginative stories enable writers to create alternative and futuristic worlds, narratives rooted in traditional beliefs and spirituality, and stories that center the Black experience, while raising questions about topics such as colonialism, race, identity, and gender; and WHEREAS, At the 2023 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium, writers and scholars will discuss the Black speculative fiction's history and themes, as well as emerging scholarship on the genre; the public gathering will feature interactive roundtable discussions, conversations, and opportunities for attendees to engage with fellow writers, readers, and fans of the genre; and WHEREAS, To achieve its mission, the CBL offers literary programs and educational workshops for the public, students of all ages, teachers, writers, and artists; among its core programs are the National Black Writers Conference, Re-Envisioning Our Lives through Literature (ROLL), the Wild Seeds Retreat for Writers of Color, the Dr. Edith Rock Writing Workshop for Elders, the John Oliver Killens Reading Series, and the weekly Writers on Writing Radio Program; the Center also publishes the peer-reviewed Killens Review of Arts & Letters, and other journals generated from its youth and elders programs; and WHEREAS, Dr. Brenda M. Greene is the founder and executive director of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY; her educational leadership and professional accomplishments span more than 45 years; and WHEREAS, Well-versed in her field, Dr. Brenda M. Greene taught at the Board of Education before becoming Director of the Right to Read Program at Malcolm King College Harlem Extension, has served on many college committees at Medgar Evers College, has served as director of literacy and writing programs for youth and adults, and has been a jurist for professional and literary organizations; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Dr. Brenda M. Greene is the visionary behind groundbreaking public and academic programs that support Black Writers; she is also the host of the long-running weekly program, "Writers on Writing," heard on New York airwaves (WNYE, 91.5 FM) and globally via YouTube; and WHEREAS, Most notably through the Center for Black Literature, Dr. Brenda M. Greene has consistently pursued her passion of expanding, broadening, and enriching the public's knowledge and aesthetic appreciation of the value of the literature produced by Black writers; and WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Center for Black Literature has demonstrated the value of uplifting the voices of Black writers from all walks of life, providing a space for growth and education, while providing platforms for success; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Center for Black Literature upon the occasion of hosting its 2023 National Black Writers Conference Biennial Symposium; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Dr. Brenda M. Greene, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Black Literature.